Lt. Colonel Everett W. Steiner, USAF Retired

Everett Woodrow Steiner was born on Oct. 26, 1918 in Ellsworth County, Kan., on the family farm near Black Wolf, to Joseph and Doris (Bisterfeldt) Steiner. He was the first of their six children, four sons and two daughters. He passed away on Feb. 6, 2014, in Hendersonville, NC, at the age of 95.

Everett graduated from Ellsworth High in 1936 and received a scholarship to play football for Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan. He was part of the 1940 Coyotes conference championship season and once caught three touchdown passes in a game as a tight end.

He learned to fly while at college in Salina. Before graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was assigned to the airbase in Waco, TX where his superb machine skills and hand-to-eye coordination made him a military pilot and flight instructor on the PT-17, BT-19 and AT-6 Texan. This experience led him to become a captain on a B-24 Liberator and he flew 33 missions over Nazi Germany. Based at the Pantanella AFB, Italy, on his the third mission flying the famous B-24 "V-Grand", he took a direct hit on the no. 2 engine over Budapest. He piloted the crippled bomber for 4-1/2 hours at the near stall speed of 120mph before successfully landing the plane on the island of Vis, Yugoslavia, in the Adriatic Sea. He had the crew tie their parachutes to the gunners side doors and deployed them when the plane touched the ground to slow it down as the hydraulics were shot out. For this effort, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by General Curtis LeMay.

Everett stayed on after the war, flying B-29's doing photo recon for nuclear bomb testing in the South Pacific. He got into jet fighters in 1948 learning to fly the new F-80 Shooting Star at Tyndall AFB, FL. While stationed at Carswell AFB in Ft. Worth, TX, he completed his undergrad degree from Texas Christian University. He then served in Korea in 1953 flying the F-86 Sabre and later become a Squadron Commander for the 331st Interceptor Squadron based out of Stewart AFB, NY in 1958. He then flew the F-102 Delta Dart and F-104 Starfighter for joint American/European NATO defense forces based at Ramstein AFB, Germany.

He became a member of the "Machbusters Club" breaking the sound barrier 17 times, including once over Paris. He was also a Tactical Commander for a new air base in Torrejon, Spain. In 1962, he was assigned to the Pentagon as an intelligence officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired from the Air Force in 1972 as a Lt. Colonel, serving 32 years. While in Washington, DC, he completed his Master's degree from American University and was accepted into their PHD program. At the end of his career, he had logged over 5000 hours of total flying time in nearly every aircraft in the Air Force. He counted among his numerous acquaintances, military friends Chuck Yeager and Jim Jabarra and while living in Maine, L.L. Bean, a local retail clothier, who became a world recognized urban outfitter.

He and his wife Natalie resided near Bucksport, ME on Lake Alamasook until 1995 when they moved to Hendersonville to enjoy warmer weather. He was the Post Commander of the American Legion in Maine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, gardening and television sports. He always had a pair of binoculars near his side to watch the birds. Natalie passed away in 2008.

Everett is survived by sister Joyce Brady Brown of Citrus Heights, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. His wife Natalie, his son Delorn, his parents Joe and Doris, brothers Delorn, Clayton and Franklin and sister Ethel Zahradnik, preceded him in death.

Special thanks to Emeritus at Pine Park and Elizabeth House both in Hendersonville and Mission Hospital in Asheville for their professional care and dedication. And grateful appreciation to Charlie and Elaine Ortiz of Hendersonville, who were guardian angels and friends to Everett and Natalie.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at the Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Kan., with interment in the Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Kansas Wesleyan University Football Scholarship program in the name of Everett Steiner and the 1940 Championship Team.

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, reached out my hand, and touched the face of God."

Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!

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Everett W. Steiner, 95

Everett W. Steiner, 95, of Hendersonville, passed away Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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M. Luther Merrell, 71

M. Luther Merrell, 71, of Hendersonville passed away suddenly Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.

He was a native of Henderson County and a son of the late Lindsey N. and Fay Merrell.

A 1960 graduate of Edneyville High School, Luther worked most of his life as a machinist and in tool and die. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. He was involved in several church and civic activities including Edneyville Volunteer Fire Dept. He loved working with Meals on Wheels and delivering meals to his many friends. With care and compassion, Luther enjoyed sharing his many skills with his neighbors in the Blue Ridge Villas in Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 8 years, Kathy Merrell; son, Martin Merrell; sisters, Virginia Morgan, Lois Ardron, Mary Lou Cannon (Kenneth); Elaine Osteen (George), Shirley Sexton (Curtis), all of Henderson County, and Shelba Jean Jennings (Wallace) of Summertown, Tenn.; brother Harvey Merrell (Judy) of Henderson County; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Pastors Don Taws and Morse Up De Graff officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Henderson County Meals-on-Wheels, Council on Aging, 105 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or a charity of your choice.

A guest book or sympathy cards are available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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M. Luther Merrell, 71

M. Luther Merrell, 71, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Norman Powers, 65

Norman Powers, 65, of Hendersonville died after a short battle with cancer on Feb. 3, 2014.

He was born January 29, 1949 in Hendersonville to William V. Powers and Grace Norman Powers who preceded him in death along with numerous aunts and uncles.

He was a 1967 graduate of Hendersonville High School where he played football and gained All-WNC honors. His favorite times were spent breeding and showing great dogs and playing music with friends. He was a very special big brother.

He was recently married to Brenda Long. He is also survived by his daughter Kelly Baldwin; granddaughter Shannon; brothers Tom Powers and John Powers; nieces Ashley Powers and

Brooke McCall and her husband Bobby; great niece and nephew Alexis and Levi McCall; along with aunts Teal Sims, Inez Norman and Lucille Erwin and numerous cousins; Brenda's children Chris Mosley, Mandy Southern and her husband Earl and their daughter McKensie.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Rev. Bill Carpenter officiating. The family will receive friends after the service.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Hermine, "Nina," Jillson Cartier, 90

Hermine, "Nina," Jillson Cartier, 90, of Columbus passed away Jan. 27, 2014, at her home.

Born in Indonesia in 1923 to Dutch parents, the late Willem and Helene (van Reesema) van Panhuys, she completed her education in Belgium. After World War II, she emigrated to the U.S. where she married Leon R. Jillson, Jr. of Englewood, N.J., in November 1951. Leon preceded her in death in 1979. She married R. Walter Cartier in 2002. He also preceded her in death.

Nina worked as a clinical technologist at three hospitals in New York and New Jersey before retiring. She moved to Hendersonville, after her first husband died. Nina enjoyed line and round dancing, gardening and flower arranging, duplicate bridge, and was a member of the PCUSA.

She is survived by her twin sons, Rev. Andrew R. Jillson (Jennifer) of New Castle, Pa., and Rev. Edward W. Jillson (Linda) of York, S.C., five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edneyville. Visitation and refreshments will follow the service.

Memorial gifts may be given to St Paul's Episcopal Church, 1657 St Paul's Rd, PO Box 70, Edneyville, NC 28727.

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

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Fannie Elizabeth Vanhoy, 74

Fannie Elizabeth Vanhoy, 74, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillie Swaney Vanhoy, siblings, James Vanhoy and his wife Tina, Edward Vanhoy and his wife Louise, J.D. Vanhoy, David Vanhoy, Melvin Vanhoy and his wife Louise and Rosie Tucker and her husband Bud.

She liked to sew, woodworking and picking apples.

She is survived by a son, John Vanhoy and his wife Renee of Hendersonville; a daughter, Jane Plowman of Lufkin, Texas, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of Fannie's life will be held from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at Fannie's Home, 95 Christy Ann Lane, Hendersonville.

Flowers may be sent to her house.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Richard Alvin Herald, 86

Richard Alvin Herald, 86, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday Jan. 22, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

He was born in Imperial, Pa.. He served in the US Army Post WWII in Japan. After graduating from Penn State University in 1953 with a bachelor of science of agriculture degree he worked for HJ Heinz for 33 years as an agricultural manager. During his career at Heinz he lived in Plymouth, Ind.; Muscative, Iowa and Pennsville, N.J. Richard and his wife of 58 years, Bertha, retired and moved to Flat Rock 28 years ago.
In retirement, Richard worked for Habitat for Humanity for 22 years. In Spetember of 2011, he was awarded the Construction Volunteer of the Year for exceptional service and leadership. His lifelong interest in vegetable gardening came to fruition during retirement through his extensive garden. Never avoiding a job too large, Richard's garden produced a bounty shared with friends, neighbors and family. He will be remembered for not planting three tomato plants but sixty. He often shared his harvests with The Storehouse. His broad interest in birds focused on bluebirds. Through his efforts, he took pleasure in increasing the bluebird population in his neighborhood. He also shared his love of birds through the 200 plus birdhouses that he made in his wood shop. His memory will live on through these birdhouses.

Richard is survived by his wife Bertha, his four children Desiree Varga, Nancy Herald, Robert Herald and James Herald and his five grandchildren.

A private memorial was held for him in his rose garden.

Donations in memory of Richard Herald can be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1111 Keith Street, Hendersonville, the Storehouse, 627 7th Avenue East, Hendersonville and the Elizabeth House, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock

A special thank you to Dr.Pyles, Dr Hill, Dr. Reis, Dr. Donaldson, Dr. Yost and The Elizabeth House.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Janice Jean Fuller, 76

Janice "Jan" Jean Bishop Fuller, age 76, of Etowah went home to be with Jesus after a brief illness. Janice passed peacefully at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville on Feb. 3, 2014.

She was born in Woodsville, N.H., on Feb. 14, 1937. Janice graduated from Lyndon State College in 1958, earning a bachelors' degree in education. Her first teaching job was in Moretown, Vt., where she met and married her loving husband Fredric on Aug. 20, 1960. They were married for 53 wonderful years. While teaching in Vermont she was nominated and accepted into "Delta Kappa Gamma" which was formed in 1929, its founders believed that an organization of women teachers, selected from among the best in the profession and united by common purposes, would have an opportunity for rendering real service to education.

In 1971 Janice and Fredric moved to Etowah. By this time they had a son "Rick" born in 1962 and a daughter "Laurie" born in 1967. Janice's first teaching position in NC was at Penrose Elementary. After Penrose Elementary closed she taught at Pisgah Forest Elementary to finish out the remainder of her 38 years as a highly devoted public servant. Janice was voted Teacher of the Year 3 times during her career. Janice's passion was not only educating children but becoming an integral part of they're lives. "It's the kids that count" was her decree.

Janice was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who were blessed enough to have known her. She was a pillar of strength with an embrace of pure love. She was a phenomenal cook and passionate Red Sox fan. She more importantly was committed follower of Jesus Christ and a doer of His Word.

Survivors include her husband Fredric Fuller, her son Rick Fuller wife Kiva and son Blake Fuller; her daughter Laurie McCrary husband Alan and sons Myles and Mitchell McCrary.

There will be no viewing and the service will be private but the family will be accepting friends at Jackson's Funeral Home from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Virginia "Gin" Padgett Freeman, 82

Virginia "Gin" Padgett Freeman, 82, of Tuxedo went to be with the Lord on Jan. 31, 2014, following a lengthy illness.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Freeman of Tuxedo; her father and stepmother, Lawrence and Mary Padgett of Campobello, S.C.; her husband of 46 years, Robert "Rusty" Freeman; her son-in-law, Mike "Frog" Vaughn; daughter-in-law, Sabrina Freeman; and a sister, Cathy Giles.

She owned Gin's Beauty Shop in Tuxedo for 25 years.

She is survived by her children, Evelyn Vaughn, George Freeman and Robbie Morgan and her husband Wayne all of Tuxedo; her grandchildren, Robert Vaughn and wife Shannon, English and Brooks Freeman and Kristen Morgan; her great granddaughters, Taylor Vaughn and Sabrina Freeman; her siblings, Carlton Freeman and Tim Padgett, Susan Carr, Kim Waters and Sylvia Johnson.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Mark Hunnicutt officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Gin will be laid to rest with her late husband in the Freeman Family Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Glenn T. Mooney, 58

Glenn T. Mooney, 58, of Bristol, Tenn., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Jimmie B. Shipman, 74

Technical Sergeant (USAF retired) Jimmie B. Shipman, 74, of Hendersonville went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 at the Elizabeth House after a period of declining health.

Mr. Shipman was born Sept. 18, 1939, to Buford and Irene Shipman. He was a graduate of Hendersonville High School. Jimmie was a member of West Hendersonville Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher, a deacon and a member of the Men's Brotherhood. He loved his family, his church, his country, and most of all, his Lord. He was saved at the age of 9 years old. His greatest hope was for others to find to find the peace he had in his personal relationship with his savior.

You could always find Jimmie with his Bible, a book and U.S. Air Force Magazine all in hand. He had a fervent belief that each citizen had a responsibility to be active in governmental affairs and spent no small amount of time writing letters to Senators and Congressmen advocating for his beliefs. When he was not reading or writing, he enjoyed taking his "Angel" Betty on trips in their motor home and on cruises. The favorite cruise they shared was their cruise to see his adopted state of Alaska which he fell in love with during his four year tour there.

During his 20 years in the United States Air Force he was stationed in 13 countries to include: Greenland, England, Morocco, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. His favorite overseas assignment was Alaska. During his service he was awarded the Meritorious Service, the Air Force Commendation Medal and as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. Jimmie was also a life member of the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeant's Association. After retirement from the Air Force he worked for Federal Aviation Administration for 17 years, retiring in 2005. He worked as a radar technician in Charlotte, Asheville, Benson, and Maiden N.C., on long range radar sites ensuring the flying public's safety. He loved his work, his fellow workers, his family and his church family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Betty Shipman; two stepchildren, Ronald E. Justice Jr. of Hendersonville and his wife Kim Gasperson-Justice and Sabrina Justice Combs of Kannapolis and her husband Corey; as well as his five grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Gabe and Erin Justice of Hendersonville and Macy, Parker, and Ragan Combs of Kannapolis; he is also survived by six brothers and one sister.

Private services were held on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, with full military honors being rendered by the Air Force Twentieth Wing Honor Guard from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. A celebration of Jimmie's life will be held at a later date.

The family requests any donations or memorials be made to the West Henderson High School Band Boosters, 3600 Haywood Road Hendersonville, NC.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

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Mary Kushler, 85

Mary Kushler, 85, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Emeritus Heritage Lodge.

She was a daughter of the late Michael and Sophia Cain, and was also preceded in death by her brother, John Cain who died in 2013. A member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church, she was also a member of the Opportunity House Sewing Group.

Survivors include her loving husband of 20 years, Dennis Kushler; a sister, Dorothy Gallagher of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Arden. Father Adrian Porras will be the celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, PO Box 8195, Asheville, NC 28814.

An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Martha Eloree Sumner

Martha Eloree Sumner of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Condolence cards may be sent to www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jerry D. "Sonny" Powers, 69

Jerry D. "Sonny" Powers, 69, of Hendersonville passed away on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, at his home.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Maj. Patrick G. Hayes, 72

Retired U.S. Air Force Major Patrick G. Hayes, 72, of East Flack Rock died Friday, Jan. 24, 2013.

Mr. Hayes was born in Fresno, Calif., the son of Alfred P. and Marie A. Hayes. He graduated from Fresno State College University in January 1964 with a BS in Criminology and a commission in the USAF. He served the majority of his career as a Special Agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in various command and staff positions, worldwide, including one tour in the Republic of Vietnam from 1968-1969.

While on active duty, Mr. Hayes completed a variety of professional training schools and courses, including the Air Command and Staff College. He also received his MS in Criminal Justice from George Washington University while stationed in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Hayes retired to East Flat Rock in March 1985, having received a variety of awards and decorations during his 21 year career, including two Meritorious Service Medals and the AF Commendation Medal.

No memorial services are planned. An inurnment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168 for our returned, injured military personnel and their families.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Jessie Mae Smith

Jessie Mae Smith, departed this life on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014.

Jessie Mae was born February 29, 1964 in Henderson County to the late William Smith and Elizabeth Smith.

Jessie Mae attended Hendersonville High School  and was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church.

Jessie Mae is survived by her mother Elizabeth Smith, her son Rodney Smith of Hendersonville, two daughters, Dawn Kearse of Hendersonville, Yolanda Smith of Hendersonville: also are two brothers and nine grandchildren.

Funeral Service were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014,. at Union Grove Baptist Church.

Wilson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements

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Dr. William H. Strickland, 84

On Saturday, January 18, 2014, Dr. William H. Strickland of Laurel Park and Lake Pointe Landing passed away peacefully on his 84th birthday.
He was surrounded by those he loved with all his heart -- his children, grandchildren and other family members. He fought heroically the last year of his life and never complained though he was in constant pain. He was deeply appreciative of the incredible care he received from all the staff of Pardee, Life Care and The Bridge at Lake Point Landing where he lived.
Dr. Strickland was born in Benson, NC on January 18, 1930 to Virginia and William Strickland. He had one brother, Riley Dan Strickland who is 2 years younger and still lives in Charlotte, N.C. Shortly after he was born his family moved to Lenoir, N.C. where his father was a well known attorney and author. Bill, as he was called by his friends and family, excelled academically at a very early age and also became very interested in music. He played the coronet in his High School band. Over the years he became very proficient in playing the piano while also learning to play the hammer dulcimer. After graduating from High School at the top of his class, he attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. While studying pre-med, he worked in the kitchen of several sorority houses in order to pay for his education after the onset of his own father's serious illness. Upon graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with honors, he was accepted to the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem , N.C. While attending medical school he met and married the love of his life Alice Snow Strickland. They were married for over 60 years until her death on October 29th, just a few months before his own passing. After completing medical school, Dr. Strickland did his Family Practice residency in Johnson City, Tennessee where Donna Strickland Hager, the first his four children was born. Due to the "Doctor-Draft Act" Dr. Strickland enlisted in The United States Air Force and was stationed in Selma, Alabama where he was a First Lt. in the Medical Rescue Division.
Upon completing his military obligation, he practiced for a short time in Lenoir, N.C. where his oldest son, William Keith Strickland was born. Shortly after that, he was recruited by the late Dr. B.J. Romeo in 1958 and began his long medical career in Hendersonville, N.C. where the last two of his four children Virginia Lynne Strickland and John Snow Strickland, D.D.S. were born and both still reside. Dr. Strickland's practice soon grew so large that it became necessary for him to recruit other physicians and open his own private practice. He worked for many years in partnership with Dr. Edgar Baker and Dr. David Slawek in the office they built on the corner of Fleming Street and Fifth Avenue just a block away from Pardee Hospital. Dr. William Strickland was devoted to the progress and growth of the hospital and healthcare community in numerous ways including serving as Chief of Staff at Pardee, President of the Medical Society, on the Board of Directors for what is now Blue Ridge Community Health Services as well as on many other boards and civic organizations such as Rotary, Henderson County Health Department, Bank of North Carolina, Nations Bank and many more. He was instrumental in obtaining the funding for the Kayden Onocolgy Center from his dear friend and longtime patient Helen Kayden as well as numerous other projects at Pardee in need of funding. He was always a loyal advocate of the Hippocratic Oath and treated all patients and their families with respect, love and compassion. He made house calls up until his final retirement after 56 years of practice in Henderson County. Aside from his absolute love of his wife and children, Dr. William Strickland was the definition of complete adoration when it came to his grandchildren. His pride and love became legendary as he talked about them with every person he came in contact with.
They are:
Major William Philip Pearsall, USAF of Bowie, of M.D. (son of Donna and Jim Hager, Jupiter, Fla. and Arthur Pearsall, Hendersonville, NC. and Philip's wife Jennifer and their daughters Rylee Jane and Raegan Lee Pearsall, Bowie, MD.)
Megan Pearsall Cannone of Marlton, N.J. (son of Donna and Jim Hager, Jupiter, Fla. and Arthur Pearsall, Hendersonville, NC and Megan's husband Captain Anthony James Cannone, USAF and newborn son Charles William Cannone, Marlton, N.J.)
Meredith Brooks Strickland, Margaret Caroline Strickland, and Grace McKenzie Strickland (daughters of Keith and Marti Strickland of Elon, N.C.)
Kaitlyn Mabrey Capps (daughter of Lynne Strickland, Hendersonville, NC & Todd L. Capps who lives in Charleston, S.C.)
Royster Snow Strickland of Hendersonville, N.C. (son of Dr. John & Katie Strickland, Hendersonville, NC).
Dr. Strickland was a member of Society of Nuclear Medicine, The Frederick R. Taylor Society of the History of Medicine, The Southern Medical Association, The American Academy of General Practice, A Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice, A Fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Life Member of the North Carolina Medical Society. He was in the Grand Chapter of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, was a Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Theta Sigma, honored in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, received the Evan J. Carey Memorial Award in Anatomy and was given the Outstanding Service in the Field of Medicine Award by Pardee Hospital.
Always a man of integrity, unconditional love and endless compassion, Dr. Strickland will be remembered for his dedication to the well being of each and every person he cared for, his impeccable good taste and handsome features and his unmatched sweetly humble demeanor. One of the first physicians to arrive at the scene of the 1967 Piedmont Airline crash that claimed 82 souls, he worked tirelessly with his wife Alice, a nurse, alongside friends like Dr. Bill Lampley to give aid in its aftermath. He gave selflessly to this community and the people within it his entire life. He embodied the true meaning of being a doctor and never wavered from his passion to serve.
A special thanks to Dr. James Caserio for his constant dedication to him during his later years, Dr. Scott Donaldson whom he respected and grew very fond of, Dr. Mike Jones, Dr. David Mackel, Dr. Stuart Glassman, Dr. William Lampley and Dr. Phil Sellers - all colleagues and longtime friends. And of course, his best friends Dr. and Mrs. John Spengler and Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Baker. A special thanks to all the nurses who kept his practice going for so many years (Jane Ray, Sarah Putnum and the late Ada Nix Osborn) and all the other healthcare staff that cared for Dr. Strickland over the years and most recently assisted him during his most difficult illnesses. The family would like to give recognition to Margaret Suber and Blondie Gash for their kindness shown to their father during the last year. Also, a very special thanks to Mrs. Hattie Waters and her late husband Donnie who are considered family and who worked and cared for the Strickland's for over 30 years.
He is survived by his four children Donna Strickland Hager of Jupiter, Fla., Keith Strickland of Elon College, NC, Lynne Strickland and John Strickland, both of Hendersonville, NC.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, Ph. 828-692-8374, 1214 Greenville Highway, 28792, blueridgehumane.org in the name of Dr. and Mrs. William H. Strickland.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. and officiated by Father Alexander Viola at the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the Blue Ridge Community College Campus. A reception will be held there immediately following the service. All other information and arrangements are being handled by Thomas Shepherd & Son, contact: Melody Shepherd. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, January 31, 2014 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

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Eric David Pace, 40

Eric David Pace, 40, a native of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.

Eric was born in Hendersonville on March 20, 1973. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 15 years, Kelly Pace; his five beautiful children: Litz (22), Bianca (14), Emily (12), Corban (6), and Manasseh (3); his parents, Bruce and Melba Bell, David and Sherlene Pace; his parents-in-law, Charles and Cherie Price, siblings, Billy and Cricket King, Karen Pace, Matt and Amanda Pace, Shannon and Kristal Bell, Leroy and Rosa Price, Charlie and Leslie Price; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Eric was preceded in death by his brother, Jason Bell and his grandparents, Mitchell and Betty Pace.

Eric was a very compassionate and faith-filled man. He was a loving husband and an adoring father. His main purpose and goal in life was to follow God's command in Micah 6:8 "Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." This was evident in his life at home, at work, at church, and everywhere he went. We honor and glorify Jesus Christ for allowing us the privilege of knowing and loving Eric before He took him home.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Upward Christian Fellowship. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to help Kelly and the children to, First Citizens Bank, PO Box 749, Attn: Four Seasons Branch 564, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Designate that the donation is to go to Kelly Pace Account.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Mrs. Carol Ann Orr Clayton, 62

Mrs. Carol Ann Orr Clayton, 62, of Etowah went home to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.

Beloved by her colleagues and her many students, Mrs. Clayton began her career as a school bus driver for Etowah Elementary School in Henderson County. She also served as a bus driver and teacher's assistant for Estes Elementary School. Mrs. Clayton went on to earn a teaching degree from Mars Hill College and taught kindergarten at Avery's Creek Elementary School in Buncombe County for 7 years. As an alumni of West Henderson, she was very active with the high school Band Boosters, the Flying Falcons Marching Band, and the Concert Band.

Affectionately known by all of the students as "Grandma," Mrs. Clayton often drove the activity bus to band competitions and football games. She grew up with horses and won many ribbons showing with The Racking Horse Breeders Association. Above all, her favorite activity was spending time with her granddaughters, especially at the beach. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Tonya Lynette.

Mrs. Clayton is survived by her husband of 44 years, Harry Clayton, her parents, Marvin Orr and Marilyn McClain Orr of Etowah, sons; Craig Clayton and wife, Wanda of Hendersonville, Chris Clayton and wife, Mandy of Horse Shoe, brothers; Michael Orr and wife, Patsy of Cheraw, S.C., Robert Orr and wife, Kathy of Franklin and Milledgeville, Ga., her beloved granddaughters; Miranda, Maddie and Gracie Clayton, 4 aunts, 1 uncle, 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, at Etowah Baptist Church with The Rev. Brian Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Forest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Henderson High School Band Boosters Club, 3600 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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